A public meeting to discuss local crime issues for Southcote and Norcot ward residents has been organised by Reading West MP Alok Sharma and Thames Valley Police.

The meeting will take place from 7pm to 8pm on Thursday at Southcote Primary School, Silchester Road.

Along with Mr Sharma, Reading Policing Area commander, Superintendent Stuart Greenfield, and the head of the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Inspector P J Binns, will be in attendance.

The meeting will update people on the police work to combat local crime in the area including illegal parking, speeding, drugs, burglary and theft from vehicles.

Alok said: "Local Neighbourhood Action Groups do a great job and I would encourage everyone to get involved with their NAG, but this meeting will allow local residents to put their views and concerns directly to the most senior police officers in the area."

Superintendent Greenfield said: "These meetings have been very well received and are a great opportunity for local residents to share their feedback and I am looking forward to speaking with local residents about concerns they may have. We are focused on cracking down on burglaries, organised crime, drug dealing and car crime in Reading.

"Myself and Inspector PJ Binns will be sharing our plans for the area, but we would particularly like to receive feedback from residents about their concerns and priorities."

Anyone planning to attend is asked to email alok.sharma.mp@parliament.uk or phone (0118) 941 3803 so they have a rough idea on numbers.